Teen charged over attack on pregnant woman

By
Stephanie Gardiner

An 18-year-old man has been charged over the alleged robbery of a heavily pregnant woman, who police say was knocked to the ground and kicked in the stomach.

An 18-year-old man has been charged over the alleged robbery of a heavily pregnant woman, who police say was knocked to the ground and kicked in the stomach.

The woman, Swati, who is 37 weeks pregnant, told the media earlier this week three men accosted her and one stomped on her stomach as she tried to hold onto her handbag during the alleged robbery near Holsworthy train station on Tuesday afternoon.

The men also allegedly stole her 20-year-old niece Shruti's bag and threw her Boost juice in her face, before running off into nearby bushland.

Shruti said she barely had time to register what was happening to her pregnant aunt.

"All I saw [when I turned around] was she was lying on the floor and they were running away," she said.

"I was in a state of shock. She was shivering [and] crying."

Swati was taken to Liverpool Hospital and her unborn baby was found to be safe and well.

Police said they looked at CCTV footage to try and identify the three men, and door-knocked several houses in the south-west.

The 18-year-old went to Liverpool police station before midnight on Thursday and was charged with two counts of robbery in company.

He was refused bail and is due to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on Friday.

Police said they want to speak with a 16-year-old and 17-year-old boys, who might be able to assist with their investigation.